Best Trails in Little Sahara Recreation Area

Did You Know?
You are the proud owner of 60,000 acres of sagebrush flats, Juniper covered hills and free moving sand dunes? Ride freely across sand dunes, unending trails, and enjoy a 700-foot mountain of sand.
Come and enjoy the unusual white sand while playing, sun bathing and castle building. Close your day by relaxing to a sage tinted sunset. Enjoy the most beautiful sunsets youll see anywhere.
Little Sahara Brochure (PDF 3.04 mb)
Utah Department of Parks Regulations
A Sandy Reminder of Ancient Lake Bonneville
A plentiful sand source and strong prevailing winds have combined to create Little Sahara, one of the largest dune fields found in Utah. Most of the sand at Little Sahara is the result of deposits left by the Sevier River, which once flowed into ancient Lake Bonneville some 15,000 years ago. After the lake receded, the southwesterly winds that blew across the Sevier Desert picked up the exposed sand. Sand Mountain, in the middle of the dune field, deflected the wind upward, causing it to slow and drop its load of sand. Sand particles, composed mostly of quartz, fell downwind among the sagebrush and Juniper around Sand Mountain ultimately creating a 124 square-mile system of giant, free-moving sand dunes.
Rockwell-When Its Time to Relax and Hike a Hill
You can experience the quiet side of Little Sahara at the Rockwell Outstanding Natural Area. Set aside as a vehicle-free zone, this 9,000 acre unit is a miniature version of the larger surrounding desert ecosystem. Rockwells sand dunes, scattered Junipers, and sagebrush flats provide habitat for a diverse array of plants and animals. Mule deer and antelope, 15 species of birds, the Desert Whipsnake, and eight other species of reptiles live here. Stands of Utah juniper, sagebrush, grasses typical to the Great Basin, and an extremely rare variety of saltbush dot the landscape.
Info at a Glance
Fees
The special recreation permit fee includes use of all facilities within the Little Sahara Recreation Area boundary. A One-Night Permit is $18 per vehicle; which expires at dusk the following day (2 day, 1 night). Permits may be purchaed at the Visitor Center, Pay Booth, or self-registeration station. An Annual Permit is $120 per vehicle and can be purchased at the Visitor Center and the Fillmore Field Office during normal business hours.
Water
Drinking water is available year-round at the Willard R. Fullmer Visitor Center and in campgrounds during frost-free months.
Visitor Center
The visitor center is open year-round, closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The visitor center telephone number is (435) 433-5960. Weather information (435) 433-5961.
Canyonlands Natural History Association
Located just inside the visitor
center, Canyonlands Natuaral History
Association offers a wide variety of items including everything from books to lip-balm.
Gasoline and Groceries
Services are available in the neighboring communities of Nephi, Delta, Eureka and Lynndyl.
May We Suggest . . .
Sand Mountain: A wall of sand climbing nearly 700 feet high provides the ultimate
challenge to rider and machine. This is the prime focal point for hill climbing.
White Sand Dunes: Easy access to dunes and plentiful riding bowls attract riders of all abilities to this spot on the north end of the recreation area.
Dunes southwest of Black Mountain: The low-lying dunes provide good terrain for beginners or for those who just want to get away from the crowds.
Black Mountain: A network of dirt trails around this peak offer excellent trail riding for just about any kind of off-highway vehicle.
Camping. . .
White Sands: Campsites nestled among the Juniper trees and immediate access to the dunes makes this a popular destination with 100 campsites, flushable toilets (vault in winter), drinking water and a fenced play area.
Oasis: The most developed site in the recreation area. Paved pads for trailers and motor homes combined with ready access to the dunes makes this a popular site with families. There are 115 campsites, flushable toilets (vault in winter), RV flush station and drinking water.
Jericho: Originally designed as a fenced picnic area, Jericho now serves as a picnic and camping area. This is a good area for large groups. Paved parking access road, 40 picnic tables with shade ramadas, flushable toilets (vault in winter), drinking water, amphitheater and a fenced play area.
Sand Mountain: Primitive camping/staging area. This place really rocks during popular holiday weekends with 3 paved parking loops, flushable toilets (vault in winter), and drinking water. l riding for just about any kind of off-highway vehicle.